Impact of Effective Thrips Management.

Not much has changed in regard to foliar thrips management in cotton. There are still limited options which include acephate, Bidrin, Dimethoate, Intrepid Edge, and Radiant.  These products provide various amount of control and in some area of the Midsouth acephate is providing limited control compared to years passed.

Below is a three minute clip demonstrating the difference in effective thrips management early season.  This study was planted on May 7, 2021 and sprayed at the 1-2 leaf stage on May 24, 2021. In the clip, the cotton is at 6 leaf.  Treatments included Radiant (1.5 oz), Intrepid Edge (3 oz), and Orthene (0.2 lb).

Thrips Management at 6 Leaf Stage

Over the years, a number of studies have been conducted across all parts of the Midsouth. In these studies, an average increase of 115 pound lint per acre was seen when thrips have been effectively controlled. Thrips impacts on yield will be variable across years and environments.